Solo Winter Wild Camp with my New Bicycle!

At the very end of last year I loaded some stuff onto my new touring bike and headed off on a short overnighter in my home county of Somerset (UK). The only difference with this wild camp, compared to ones I've done in the past, was that this time I decided NOT to pack a tent...
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[@RViscara]

Ed I am actually a backpacker hammock camper and know a bit about tarps and tarp set ups. First I have to say in a heavy long rain like you had in this video that you would have faired far better with a slightly larger tarp and with more tie out points or loops to tie to on the tarp. Also as you said a wider lower pitch of the tarp would have protected you better as well. A tighter tarp pitch “less flopping of the tarp fabric” would also have helped. The larger tarp would have only added a couple of grams to your weight and tiny bit extra space in your bags. To make a tighter tarp try using Prusik knots on the ridgeline and tarp connection points to stretch the tarp taught. A loose tarp set up will shrink your coverage area of the tarp once the wind starts to blow or it gets weighted down in the rain especially a sil nylon tarp. Don’t give up on this way if sleeping instead of using a tent. It’s a great compact way to have a sleep system in your area and climate. Remember skills go much further then the knowing how to use the gear correctly. By the way I am from Silicon Valley in California and lived right down the road from were you stayed in Saratoga or Cupertino near the Sunnyvale bike shop on your American tour. I wish I could have seen you and even had you come and speak to my boyscout troop about your adventures. A happy new year to you and cheers!

[@caseysmith544]

I was thinking more a yard tarp but on the smaller side would have worked better as they are normally quite big, a thin Nylon tarp is not the way to go for rain. Then for the bivy sack, go with more the emergency type that use the thin flexible foam in between the layers of the Mylar/aluminum as these are more water resistant/proof just beef up seem parts with superglue and duct tape, or get the bivy tents, they are bivy sacks that have a small flexible frame to them that can keep the fabric off your bag better.

[@novabigstar1509]

You can also slightly trench the ground around the tarp to channel water away from the sloped high ground sides that could bring ground water into the sleeping area. It really helps in heavy rains. Great adventure Ed!

[@zobairahmed8236]

As a Hammok camper, what kinds of difficulties do you face? Specifically, when you slept in Hammok, did you have any kind of back pain? Recently, I've been thinking about Hammok camping. I hope you will reply. Thanks

[@teamdeep5822]

He stayed at my nighbors back yard in stokes county nc in his American tour. Wish I met him

[@RViscara]

@@zobairahmed8236 hammock camping is a fantastic way to sleep if done correctly. That said there are times that some people don’t do well in hammocks “side sleepers or stomach sleepers” I say watch some videos about hammock sleeping and how to properly set one up. Also if you sleep in slightly cold to winter conditions you will need a underquilt beneath you to keep you from having a cold backside. I sleep like a baby in my hammock and love it far better then ground sleeping or tent sleeping. For video set ups and how to do it check out Shug hammocks on KZbin. Also borrow a hammock system and try it first before you commit to buying a system. Good luck

[@evesharples1904]

I have really appreciated your last two videos - nothing flashy, nothing big, but I think very inspiring reminding everyone how easy and simple adventuring can be. One night, minimal equipment, no special knowledge needed. I don't think there's enough of that on KZbin anymore, and I find it really inspiring, reminding me to get out there! Thank you :)

[@travelooky1560]

Exactly what I was thinking!

[@Heisthe1ne4242]

As you were filming in the morning under the tarp, there does appear to be a hole in the tarp on the right side at least… 7:19 onward, top right corner of the shot

[@LordBikealot]

Sometimes we just need to get out and do it! Thanks Ed 👍

[@l1ncs]

tent is def the way to go, especially on longer trips

[@73megalith]

Set the tarp up in diamond (plough) config. Closed on 3 sides into the wind and rain. Ideal with less tie outs on the tarp. 10/10 for getting out there Ed

[@WiltshireMan]

Enjoyed your "Overnighter" : ) I've heard nothing but good things regarding SJ cycles and Thorn Raven tour and Rohloff hubs:) I'm sure the bike will serve you well Ed. I recently also brought a new bike, an On One Bootzipper which show great promise for future adventures but I do need some mudguards and a back rack for it. Sandy

[@KcarlMarXs]

Major quality of life Tip for all campers: have some sort of cutting board. (Roll out, rigid, custom size etc) It beats cutting on surfaces not made for (in hand, pan, cup, etc.)

[@nedlongdon8607]

I think you should wait until the summer until you get back into bivvying, because it's those calm, warm nights that make it so special. I really appreciate this v good, honest video!

[@MONKEYON2WHEELS]

Love those micro adventures that gets you just out and have fun. And nice bike! Thorn frames are super strong. Its gonna take you everywhere 🚲

[@markjlewis]

Nice video Ed but you did break the law. It's brown sauce with sausages and tomato ketchup with bacon, expect the sausage police to call on you very soon. 🤣

[@aussiedonaldduck2854]

No no no it's tomatoe Sause with pies & sausage rolls but yes BBQ Sause with sausages & Burgers.

[@SkateAlert]

Good to see you're doing well ed, still adventurising. I remember watching your around the world series like 4 years ago now? It got my really interesting in the idea of travel and touring the world, and now I'm in college, working on an IT course actually (as my idea is to work as a digital nomad, free lancing off just a laptop) whilst traveling around the world. Thanks for everything!

[@PeopleWatchingMarcus]

Great adventure. I'm enjoying these shorter trips

[@saschakalweit7843]

I really love that you just do the things that you love. It doesn't matter if its traveling related or some microaddventure, you being being you is what matters. Love the video!

[@fellmonkey]

Persist with tarp camping if you can, does force you to be aware of your surroundings and making the most of landscape features to shelter from the wind. Best.

[@arjanthomassen2882]

Nice video👍i am planning my first bike/camping trip for this year. New gravelbike and ready to go! (57 years old)

[@alexandercavendishsimson3962]

I know nothing about setting up overnight wild camping. But I’ve watched enough videos of you doing it, all over the world on the Uni’ to be considered almost expert level 😂🙈. Even with a bigger tarp the ‘draughtyness’ of the thing puts me off 😡, modern ‘sealed’ tents are so light now 🤔. Keep doing what you’re doing Ed, and stop fretting about whether or not it’s ‘entertaining’ enough etc etc. It clearly is as there’s plenty of us out here happy to watch your adventures, whatever they may be, (the Shooting Lodge camp was great 👍). I’m not prone to watching some random Bear Whatsit copyist wild / woodsman geezer caping out, but it’s different where you are concerned. You’ve earned the right with your past adventures to validate what you do now, whatever that may be. Think of it as a really great band, and 5 or 6 albums in they make a bit of a hard left turn stylewise. The fans still buy the album because of the greatness in the past, respect for the greatness in the past 👍. Does that make you the Bob Dylan of cycle / hiking / camping 🤔, maybe 😎. Bigger Tarp, that sits much further from your sleeping bag. Now is it a hot dog? Or is it a sausage butty with onions in a finger roll? IMHO, that would be a sausage butty you had there 🤔 ?!?!?

[@MrQuestful]

Looks like there’s a learning curve to bivy setup, but I’m delighted to see you’re out on the road again! This past summer I did my first big ride across the United States with over 4,000 miles from San Francisco to Maine; and I wanted to share some tricks I learned about my cooking setup. I’m an avid cook, so food was something I prioritized on my journey. If there’s one item of cookwear I brought that I found super adaptable, it would be my 1.5L pressure cooker. I made everything from stews, dal and rice, and various Indian curries all in this tiny cooker. It was super handy because it was fast cooking with pressure, and totally sealable, so I could make a curry and snack on it throughout a days ride. If you’re interested I’ll happily share recipes etc offline. Happy riding!

[@Zook500]

Love this new style videos mate. Can't allways be a multi month epic. Looking forward to the next one! Helping with the impetus to go on another tour!

[@andyml1]

Good to see you put a cover on the Brooks too! 😉

[@bullpupluver]

I came here from your river camping series, already hooked and I'm sure youtube sent me your way since I watch camping with Steve

[@VeloObscura]

Your next challenge is to take a cast iron Dutch oven!

[@LeesChannel]

I had a very dumb friend who insisted that he needed a cast iron dutch oven + skillet and the very lightest tent and sleeping bag possible for bikepacking. He ended up never bikepacking or even camping.

[@hansguckindieair]

It's so nice to see you trying out new things

[@ducktominh]

You could only camp at your backyard, I would still watch it. Love your videos :)

[@charnestours1948]

Lovely to see you again Ed. Keep up the spirts and the good work.

[@stevenewcombe7168]

Nice one Ed :) I do a good bit of wild camping all year round. So in winter it's dark not long after 4pm. By the time you've cooked and eaten, you must have gone to "bed" before 6pm. It was light when you got up so it must've been nearly 8am. That's a looooong night if you're not comfortable. I find the biggest problem with winter camps is using up all those dark hours. Really enjoyed the video, thanks :)

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

I did that many, many years ago and had the same miserable experience. Warm and dry wins every time. It is always good to see you out and about and well. Take good care of yourself.

[@samrutster]

Good to see you Ed! More camping! 🏕️

[@jamiebassnettoutdoors]

I swear that crazy stove is gonna be the death of you one day! 😂 You definitely need to invest in something lighter and less erratic. 😂

[@regbillings4955]

Great video, i always get a cramp in my foot when trying to put my boots back on, next morning lol. worst part is packing up next morning. the rest of the trip is amazing during bicycle tours.

[@MrGee009]

Happy new year Ed, great to see you back. Thanks for braving the winter weather to entertain us. I look forward to more of your adventures. Oh to be young again.

[@AndrewSmart32]

I'm watching this from a service station 15miles from my home, I just got a new ebike, effortless!

[@craigmaberly8561]

Having took my Nomad for 120 days in North America last year fully loaded I am sure one night it can manage. Nice to see you out again.

[@Rockmaster867]

7:40 you can actually see a hole in the tarp on the right side

Kiitos!

[@EdPratt]

Thank you Kimmo!!!

[@kit4250]

This style of video is so nice to watch!

[@coopermetzger5026]

Glad to see more content Ed! I do some expedition leading work here in the northeastern US and most of my nights in the field are spent in a bivy under a tarp. Some of the most important things I have learned about staying dry are picking the right spot to avoid groundwater, and keeping the tarp tight. Those two items do most of the work of keeping you dry. Also one big thing people often over look is that not all tarps are created equal. Making sure to pick a tarp that is actually is water proof and/or taking the time to re-waterproof a tarp can go a long way on those rainy nights. Lastly having the paracord ridgeline under the tarp gives water a straight line it can travel down and drip onto you from. Hope these tips can help keep you dry in the future.

[@paulhadfield8006]

You cant beat a tent

[@nomad2753]

Nicely done and closer to the average person’s bike camping experience 👍

[@user-uy4sh2uv4e]

I pitched my tent in November in Southern Ontario. Grass surrounded the tent in the evening. In the middle of the night, I woke to my tent surrounded by snow. It was a great experience, once for that was enough.

[@chuckyfox9284]

I'd be interested in a video on your new bike.

[@roberthunter5398]

That's a nice bike. Hope you get miles of fun and enjoyment from it.

[@mhe8545]

Nothing like a stream running under your tent. Looks like you're packed up for a long trip.

[@georgeramirez5225]

enjoyed your solo trip miss your partner in the tandem. be safe

[@slapdat.byteme]

Thx for taking us along Ed. A wider tarp and a short fold-up canvas cot (if the bike can take it) would totally change a rainy bivy campout. Take care.

[@gigihanmandarin]

Thanks for this video, Ed!

[@Francois_Dupont]

Thank you i love camping videos! (and hunting, fishing, bycyling, touring....)

[@ayouben-nasri8719]

such a great journey

[@asherbeal8357]

Congratulations on the new bike Ed!

[@andrewonmyway8184]

Great to see you back on the bike again where you belong Ed. Hopefully you’ll have better weather next time. Smashing bike by the way!

[@Adventure-Outdoors]

Nice one Ed. I used to do a lot of bivi camping, not so much these days for various reasons which you now probably understand; a tent makes far more sense most of the time. If you're going to head out on overnighters with your bike, have a look at the Trangia cook kits, the smaller 27 unit would allow you to cook up a feast without having to carry much extra weight 👍.

[@neagoecatalin879]

Nice outdoor there! I think I've seen a hole on your top! Well, I'm going on bicycle camp, always having the pop up one person tent tied to my big backpack. The electric bike handles better the weight 😉, especially for long distance and mostly uphill. Keep it going! Cheers!

[@jb211]

Great vid ed as always

[@Simsydav]

Awesome to see you making new stuff. I got the same bike in grey a few months ago but I think the green looks better!

[@AndyZE123]

When I saw the frying pan I was then waiting for the tureen of soup!

[@Coach_Burrito]

loving the short form videos!

[@CaseyHandmer]

If the bivvy isn't keeping you dry it's not very useful. You may want to experiment with a camping hammock such as the Hennessey.

[@slickpickle6996]

Love your videos Ed!

[@alexdcpe]

Unrelated to this but I would love to see a more relaxed video reminiscing about the world tour. I'm sure you have stories that weren't on camera and it would be nice to revisit the experience now. Maybe a 5 year anniversary livestream with Will?

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Perhaps you could add a sleeping bag liner, they don't take up much room but will add something like 10C - marvellous things.

[@crisloucks6805]

I would suggest a larger tarp. It doesnt need to be huge or anything, just something that would give you more coverage for the wind and rain. But that is what the first few times are for, experimenting and learning. I think if you prefer a tent then use a tent. But i also think that if you give tarps a chance, with the right tarp system and configuration, you will find that tarps can be more versatile and adaptable than a tent. But you have to figure out what works best for you and i wish you luck in your endeavors.

[@mikeforsey8880]

Lived in burnham on sea for 30 years, here in Brisbane Australia last 33 years, loved your river parrot ride, and your adventures. Mike Australia

[@albertdesalvo7273]

Yes, your video was very entertaining!

[@jeanp4875]

For one night out, I would precut my vegetables at home and pack it all up in a foil pouch. No frypan needed.

[@dustinmcdowell848]

I did the bevy tarp set up from Denver to St. Louis and after that I would probably sacrifice a lot before giving up a 2 person backpacking tent. Being able to sit up is a nice experience it turns out.

[@simon7762]

Really enjoy watching your adventures, even if it is just camping in your Somerset back country:)

[@brentnearhood8874]

Thanks! Ed🌭🏕

[@louisbassett1799]

Loved the video, the whole shebang, and what a meal for one nighter!

[@althejazzman]

I think that hole in the tarp you can see at 7:40 probably didn't help!

[@geoffmilner]

Sausages take longer to cook than onions so I'd reverse the order in which they go in a frying pan.

[@davideldred.campingwilder6481]

You know, that's Exactly what I was thinking...

[@simes205]

@@davideldred.campingwilder6481 me toooo

[@zeusfitter007]

Cornelius would be proud.🙌🏻

[@alastairmackay4589]

Tempted to try 👍

[@domkuliasa4409]

Awesome video thanks

[@davideldred.campingwilder6481]

Nice one Ed.

[@theinspector1023]

Enjoyed it. Ta.

[@spoonerbooner]

get yourself an old army Basha, cheap to pick up and really, really do the job well

[@davideldred.campingwilder6481]

Good advice...

[@reeceholmes8546]

watch for those speed cameras Ed, thanks Man

[@ljd8520]

Just stretch that basha out wider,we used to use the Australian basha it was massive.

[@williamschmilliam3565]

Hey Ed, Primus has a silencer accessory for that stove - I know you mentioned the noise in the last video. I have the same setup with the silencer and it makes a big difference. Glad to see you try the tarp/bivy setup. I have been wanting to try the same.

[@Metal-Possum]

You could try one of those single person tents with the curved poles at each end to hold it up. Apparently they don't breathe particularly well though.

[@davidjfife]

I love your videos and adventures Ed thank you for posting. Nice bike, to bad you couldn’t have kept the tandem for future adventures. I’m a fan a strong steel frame. Great choice. I looked at those bikes, but decided on CO-Motion because the factory is close to me. We have a few trips planned this spring and summer.on our two tandems. Just need the snow and ice to melt. Keep up the adventuring.

[@robertransley-photography564]

Great to see you back on the road. Undoubtedly your working on some cycling plan. America, north to south? Africa? Keep the vids coming.

[@StanEby1]

May I suggest a small, lightweight trailer with a foldable tent which keeps you a bit off the ground. That also keeps a little weight off your bike. I also recommend inertia brakes. All the best.

[@spijkerpoes]

aaah roughing it in the hard to wild camp western europe !! the problem where I live is sneaking in and out of the brush with a bike and bags without getting spotted. Peepul everywhere.

[@j.k.6148]

Nice bike!

[@johna7075]

Although I don't know the particular spec of the wheels, considering they happily carried two of you plus luggage I imagine they are severely over built for just you on your own and excessively heavy, I'd really consider if you can swap or sell them (or just get the rear re built as it's a £££ hub). Regarding bivy setup. I bought all the kit thinking it would be a great way of moving lightly and after a mere 2 nights of suffering I bought a light weight tent. When you add everything together the bivy kit is no lighter that a reasonable quality tent and tents are so much more comfortable.

[@charliebeingcharlie]

I love this content

[@Judewilkinsonjfk]

This is quality content

[@DarronSpeck]

I have tried bivi and tarp camping. Hammock and tarp camping, and tent wild camping. You can get some really reasonably priced lightweight tents nowadays, so I don't see the point in bivi and tarp camping for me. I wild camp with a hammock and netting in summer sometime, but any other time I use my tent. My tent weights about 1.4kg and fits on my handlebar or in my rucksack. It's freestanding lightweight and tons more room than a bivi. Why make it more restrictive for myself? P. S mirco adventures are an amazing way to experience nature without any real costs, and are bloody good fun. Carry on making your vids, I really enjoy them.

[@sebianoti]

That will do

[@GeekonaBike]

I often carry just the rainfly & leave the tent behind, results vary. but almost always the bivi alone would have been worse.

[@jimbojet8728]

For a one nighter, I’d have had my camp spot planned. Prepped my food before leaving the house and done my first bivvy camp in summer. Seems you just needed to get a yt vid out? Hope you enjoyed. Thanks.

[@timbyles4124]

Ed, why not purchase a ‘hammock tent’, at least you’ll be off the floor and with a tarp over you. Plus, heat (off the fire) rises.

[@josesebastiao7845]

Parabéns amigo 👏👏

[@gagawithpasswords]

Love your content and you are a good story-teller. I favour tarp camping as its does offer more flexibility than a tent. I own a DD Jungle hammock which comes with a detachable bug net an canopy, which means I can use it as a hammock or where there are no trees, on the ground or as a bivvy. My suggestion is you need a bigger tarp, say a 3x3, which would give you much greater coverage for you and your gear, and would give you scope to set up in different ways. All said, I think you are on the right track. Look forward to more content.

[@philwilby5686]

Nothing wrong with heavy bikes, I have and a Raleigh Amazon and fitted a tubus Tara low rider at the front together with a rear pannier and the load capacity is fantastic. It actually has a step through frame which I find great when the bike is loaded. I am also a liker if kickstands.

[@richardfrancis5683]

Bikes like that remove the urge to feel you have to cycle fast and allow you to simply start exploring and enjoying cycling. They're also more comfy and relaxing to ride than a hard core carbon racing bike.

[@caseysmith544]

Yes but there are Touring Road bikes made of Aluminum or light steel frame that are made for big panniers, however they are nothing like a Hard tail MBT made not for covering huge milage the way a road touring bike is but for covering the difficult terrain.

[@TheWeardale1]

gripping video

[@gabrielgomescunha]

If you are camping in a woodland or basically a place with trees you might prefer a hammock to keep you off the ground

[@SidwellAdventures]

Been a while since my last bike trip. I wanna go 🥲